I, Doko: The Take of a Basket

I, Doko: The Tale of a Basket. Ed Young. New York: Philomel Books, 2004. 32 pages. $16.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-399-23625-2. Grades K-3.

He who sees all is not only wise, but can tell the best stories. This is certainly true of the loyal Doko, a large basket who aids and assists one Nepalese family for three generations. He tells how Yeh-yeh and Nei-nei trusted him with their child and their crops; how he was Nei-nei’s chariot to her grave, and how he was majestic enough to carry the dowry of their son’s new wife. In addition to his adventures he shares they story of why young and old now live together in tolerance and harmony. Ed Young turns a simple fable in to a tale of love, respect and wit. The lively, rich colored illustrations tell the tale in the text, but they also transport readers in to Doko’s shadow. The character’s emotions jump out of their caricatures and draw the readers in. I Doko: The Tale of a Basket has a timeless message and delivers it in a new engaging way. This is a great example of multicultural literature that any reader can enjoy and appreciate. Highly Recommended